McCaskill, Heller Top Senate Power Rankings

GOP senators are distancing themselves from the president.

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Danielle Bernstein

Aug. 16, 2017, 10:23 a.m.

“A rash of Republicans taking steps toward Senate campaigns in recent weeks has jolted races in states such as Missouri, Montana, and Pennsylvania that for months lacked top-tier challengers. Still, several recruitment holes remain, and who fills them will have significant implications on the Senate’s party division in the next Congress.”

“Democrats dominate this list of the seats most likely to flip party control, just as they did in Hotline’s previous Senate rankings in March. But there is one fewer Democratic seat this time.

“Arizona’s move up to No. 9 bumped Wisconsin to 10 and edged out Pennsylvania, where Democratic Sen. Robert Casey may face Republican Rep. Lou Barletta. That race could reemerge on this list at a later date depending in part on how the races above it shake out.” (Hotline reporting)

DISTANCE FROM TRUMP. Republicans have found themselves once again at odds with President Trump, this time over his latest remarks on the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, VA. A number of senators joined the chorus of dissidents, including Sens. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), John McCain (R-AZ), Todd Young (R-IN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT). (CNN)